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onceuponatime

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  1. The season pretty much begins about the same time in all areas of the country, including California. The big difference is that corps from everywhere except areas of the west coast have abbreviated judging panels for their early season competitions. The abbreviated panels were quite simply a cost-saving measure, and since DCI is the corps, and the corps are DCI, apparently they thought it had to be done to remain financially solvent. The twist is that it doesn’t happen on the west coast. They have a full judging panel for all their shows from day one of the season. The reason for the disparity is simple. Out in California they pay for the extra judges themselves. Do the other corps directors around the country think this gives a corps competing in early California contests an unfair advantage? I don’t know. I never hear it mentioned by any of the other corps directors, which is kind of mystifying to me. They obviously know that full-panel exposure means that a corps would have the competitive advantage of knowing what’s working and what isn’t working from a full-panel judges perspective, in every caption, long before the other corps against whom they will be competing have had similar evaluations. I am surprised that these other corps don’t simply vote to require uniformity in judging panel structure regardless of where you are from, or whether you can afford to supplement the panels with your own bankrolls. If abbreviated panels are used in one area of the country, shouldn't they should be used in all areas of the country? The California corps obviously think the full-panel evaluations are important, or they wouldn't be funding them.
  2. You really seem to have a uniquely accurate understanding of The Cadets' internal organization, philosophy, and goals, relative to other corps in their competitive arena. Not a great many people who frequent DCP, from what I've observed (I'm not a regular DCP reader), have that ability, or perhaps just lack the interest (I'm not sure which) to look beyond the obvious and to recognize that different corps measure success by different yardsticks. You seem to have focused in on that, making what you write and how you write it, not only interesting but insightfully accurate. Thank you for what you bring to the table.
  3. Buttons, at least at east coast contests, were initially sold by the kind of concessionaires you see along parade sites selling balloons and plastic toys on sticks. The first corps-generated button sold by an eastern drum corps, to the best of my knowledge, was the GARFIELD button sold by the Cadets. It was in an oval shape, maroon, with a white stripe across the center. In the white stripe was simply GARFIELD in maroon letters. As I recall they sold them for a quarter. The year they were introduced was 1959. I can't speak for the corps in other parts of the country, but if they did have buttons available prior to that date, I never saw one. The first full-scale souvenir operation was introduced by The Troopers at a contest in Dubuque, Iowa. It was a real covered wagon that they brought to shows on a trailer. At the very first show when they began souvenir sales they made more money with the souvenirs than they did with contest prize money. That was absolutely the beginning of the large scale souvenir operations that all corps now operate. Hope that helps.
  4. Fred, Just as a point of general information, Cadets2 rehearse one weekend a month. Full day on Saturday and half day on Sunday. That's it. The reason they were organized, as I understand it, was to provide performance opportunities for young people who for a variety of reasons weren't able to march a touring corps, or just did not particularly want to do so. Most of the C2 Cadets have demanding school or work schedules, family obligations, and other real-life conflicts that would preclude more additional rehearsal obligations. If there are people who have concerns that Cadets2 are able to rehearse more than anyone else, I hope you will set their concerns to rest with this information.
  5. John Baumfalk was considered the founder of our corps, but there are several charter members surviving him. Amazingly, even at their advanced ages they regularly participate in alumni activities in Garfield, and they still sing the Holy Name Hymn...as do we all. Thank you to all for you kind expressions of sympathy on our loss. FHNSAB...
  6. That's right. In addition to founding the corps at that young age, he was also the first drum major and horn instructor. If you go to www.theholynamecadets.net/ you can see his early photos.
  7. John Baumfalk, Cadet #1, now belongs to the ages - FHNSAB... To all the Holy Name Cadets, I'm sad to have to share with you the news of first Drum Major and Holy Name Cadet founding member John Baumfalk's passing at the age of 94 1/2 years on Monday February 6, 2013. He loved his Holy Name Drum and Bugle corps days and spoke of that happy time so very often that we knew all his stories by heart. He was a true gentleman and we will miss him. His graveside funeral will be Monday February 11, 2013 with military honors at Forest Lawn Cemetary in Cypress California at 12:30pm. Cards may be sent to his family, Stepdaughters Sandi Shepherd, Mari Hinds and Stepson, Richard Richards: C/O Sandi Shepherd 855 Cliff View Dr Reno, NV 89523 On behalf of John's family I thank the Cadets for being a wonderful part of John's life. FHNSAB Judi Van Houten (John's neice)
  8. A salute to the 2011 Cadets and Cadets2 for adding yet another chapter to the continuing saga of 78 years of Cadet history. FHNSAB... www.theholynamecadets.net/
  9. A salute to the 2012 Cadets and Cadets2 for adding yet another chapter to the continuing saga of 78 years of Cadet history. FHNSAB... www.theholynamecadets.net/
  10. Future Cadets - get your name on the registration list today Join the ranks of young men and women interested in auditioning for The Cadets. November 16-17-18 — Guard and Percussion Auditions at Woodstown High School in N.J. December 7-8-9 — Brass and Percussion Auditions December 27-28-29-30 — Four-Day Camp for Brass and Percussion This season will see a very cut-back winter schedule: Brass: One camp in January and one the end of April. Percussion: One camp in January and March, none in February. At this juncture as the team is re-signed, and commitments are in place from: George Hopkins — director Jeff Sacktig — visual designer Jay Bocook — brass arranger Gino Cipriani — brass supervisor Colin McNutt — percussion supervisor and arranger Information on auditions will be available in September but get on the registration list today! Our 79th Year begins. FHNSAB...
  11. The CADET HISTORY BOOK is now available in two ONLINE formats: 1) To enjoy the online version of the Cadet History book, absolutely FREE, with sound, please navigate to: Website: http://www.theholynamecadets.net/ 2) For a downloadable version please navigate to: Website: ftp://theholynamecadets.org/ It’s available in a high resolution format (172meg) and a lower resolution format (89meg). Your choice.
  12. In response to questions: There is no access fee or cost of any kind. There are no registration requirements of any kind. This is a gift from The Cadets' Alumni to the drum corps community and other interested parties. theholynamecadets.net/
  13. Our new on-line "HISTORY OF THE CADETS" is drawing a lot of favorable comments. Here are just two from celebrated names in drum corps. Check it out for yourself at theholynamecadets.net/ IT'S A FEAST FOR BOTH EYES AND EARS by Steve Vickers, Drum Corps World publisher (publisher@drumcorpsworld.com) I supposed I was among the first to order a copy of the book produced for The Cadets’ 75th anniversary three years ago. When I opened that package, I was totally blown away by the scope, quality and extensive research that obviously went into the project. Being a graphic design person, I was particularly struck by the effective and easy-to-read layout of the book and the high-quality of the printing job. When Dave Shaw told me he and his team were working on taking the book to another level, I was intrigued. Given the advances in on-line publishing, I knew they would do a great job incorporating some additional attributes that a physical printed book couldn’t offer and what they delivered is nothing short of spectacular. In fact, it is the finest -- without question in my mind -- presentation of a drum and bugle corps’ history that I’ve ever seen. My collection of books that have been offered by many corps and individuals over the last 60 years is fairly extensive . . . I don’t think there are many I haven’t managed to snag for my archives. The clarity of the photographic images, the incredible cross-section of material from every year and every era of the corps’ fruitful and successful lineage is an effective “selling tool” for whatever purpose the organization uses it for in the future, as Dave outlined in the accompanying article about how it came into existence. The Internet version now includes an incredible number of audio files -- both musical and individuals expressing their feelings about the corps or some historical moment that they recall from their time marching. When you download the file, please be sure to set aside a good number of hours to thoroughly experience the variety of things to look at and see. It’s kind of hard to believe that the individuals who were responsible for this massive undertaking were able to accumulate so much material and get it organized into a logical and attractive package. I’ve been friends with two of the team’s members -- Dave Shaw and Greg Cinzio -- for many years. Their dedication to the Holy Name Cadets/Garfield Cadets/Cadets of Garfield/Cadets of Bergen County/The Cadets has always been a point of inspiration for me. I admire their belief in what the organization meant -- and still means -- to them and to all the young people who have marched through the program over the last 78 years. I’ve also been friends with Greg’s dad, Dr. Joseph Cinzio, who directed the corps during the late 1970s (he sends me an annual birthday card that means a lot over all these years since meeting in 1977). Now it’s time for you to head over to www.www.theholynamecadets.net site and check out this truly unbelieveable production. It’s worth every minute you’ll take out of your no-doubt busy schedule to enjoy! Steve Vickers, Publisher Drum Corps World www.drumcorpsworld.com 608-241-2292 A DAVID HILL REVIEW Sixty-five years after its radio premiere on CBS -- which was 13 years after the original charter of The Holy Name Cadets -- today's launch of the online book, "Story Of The Cadets" recreates "You Are There," by blending history with modern technology, taking an entire organization on a historical time warp, and reporting the great events of the past. In reading, seeing, and hearing -- through audio clips of interviews, music, and story-telling -- of the organization's founding, its history, and its present, "Story of the Cadets" becomes a "you are there" way to relive the storied, multi-champion's trip through time. It is available at theholynamecadets.net Co-authors Greg Cinzio and Dave Shaw had the organization's archives unlocked for us all. Using written and oral histories, photography, audio and video recordings (there are no performance videos), the "maroon world" of The Cadets comes to life as a "live" documentary, both written and enhanced with interactive media. In doing so, it also becomes the most compelling experience and education in drum corps' history. The timeline of any organization takes its share of twists, turns, shake-ups, and change. In this unvarnished look at the Cadets' trajectory from parish program to independent organization -- replete with its highs and lows -- the reader "is there" to see how, and why, this unit evolved from a community-based effort to its current status as a leader in the marching arts. From "In the Very Beginning" to "The War Years," "The Separation from the Church," through "The Early DCI Years," the first half of the story, and the book, provides a comprehensive, and illustrative, outline of the business -- and heart -- of the organization. Early practices remain today, providing guideposts even in the twenty-first century. For me, this is the strongest half of the book. Certainly for those of us whose history with either The Cadets, indeed with the drum and bugle corps activity, only reaches as far back as the development of Drum Corps International, if not the early 1960s, the question "Why doesn't the activity return to its roots?" is answered. The second half of the book becomes a primer in competition, offering "Transition back into National Prominence," "DCI Trendsetters," "The Modern Era Cadets," and "The New Millennium." Designers talk process, teachers emphasize motivation, directors explain scoring and placement, and all along, in every era, performers exude pride and appreciation in the experience;" in being "a Cadet." The last three years of competition, a fascinating triad of 75th anniversary, toy soldiers, and the tenth championship seasons, complete the "book." Appendices provide bullet-point timelines of directors and corps officers, milestones, and repertoires. But for the primary audience for the book, alumni, the first appendix, "The Cadet Experience" will resonate the most. "The Story of the Cadets" should resonate with anyone who lives, and who values, the drum corps experience. For in its "You Are There" presentation, each of us can relive the 77 year history of the corps and the organization. Indeed, we can all share in the feeling of the corps hymn: "For Holy Name shall always be …." Experience it at theholynamecadets.net David G. Hill (Full Disclosure: A review I wrote of the 75th anniversary production is included in the book.)Cadets' on'line history book
  14. From Facebook Cadets 2. Here we go! — at Manning Field
  15. Must have been an extra long intermission. There was probably a long line at the lobster stand.
  16. My guess is that the contest is either over by now, or close to being over.
  17. Deb is at the DCA show in Bridgeport From George Hopkins on Facebook Waiting for cadets and cadets2 — at Beanpot to Feature World Champion Cadets & Cadets2 Inaugural Performance!
  18. After rehearsal and before the show C2 huddles. pic.twitter.com/v1nFTZWa
  19. The Cadets - Allentown, PA Colts - Dubuque, IA Crossmen - San Antonio, TX Teal Sound - Jacksonville, FL Jersey Surf - Camden County, NJ Spartans - Nashua, NH 7th Regiment - New London, CT The Muchachos - Manchester, NH
  20. Here are a list of competing corps from DCI. I guess we can assume reverse order. I don't know if Cadets2 are putting on their exhibition pre-show or post-show. If we don't get any info from anyone actually at the show let's just make things up to keep it interesting.
  21. Don't worry barigirl, you aren't alone out there. Unfortunately I'm not at the show either, but perhaps now that we have two souls here. someone who is actually there might pop in.
  22. Very clever. I also think that if they can manage to get the crowd participation they're looking for, it will help all the corps. Nothing beats a happy audience.
  23. Attention all Cadets (and any members of other corps who might be interested): we are very close to having the on-line "Story of The Cadets" ready to be downloaded onto your Ipads, Ipods, kindles. laptops, etc. Ben Pouncey will be our conduit for information when we have everything wrapped up, so you will be able to accomplish the download yourself. Finally something to do while you're driving through endless wheat fields in the middle of the night.
  24. Confessions of a Borg (circa 2006) I am a Cadet borg... I am also a Cavalier borg, a Phantom borg, a Vanguard borg, a Trooper borg, a Blue Star borg, a Crossmen borg, a Boston borg, a Colts borg, a Jersey Surf borg, a Jubal borg, a Racine Scout borg , a Madison borg, an Empire Statesman borg, a Caballero borg, a Bridgemen borg…I guess you get the picture. Name any corps, add borg, and you have my number. I dislike uncomplimentary labels, and I especially dislike them when their use is assumedly intended to discredit or inflame. There are a lot of very intelligent, very articulate people who frequent DCP, and occasionally one may cross the line and use their very impressive vocabularies to belittle other posters and/or other participants in the activity with whom for one reason or another they are in disagreement. I would guess that those isolated offenses are probably not intended to insult or inflame or to hurt… but when couched in inflammatory and unnecessary terminology…they do! And so, when that happens, and the offensive term “borg” is tossed out in a conversation, I gladly accept the designation of super borg #1. Many of us know or know of the offenders.. I have a great deal of respect for their viewpoints and their passion. I do not believe there is any deliberate intent to offend anyone, but regardless of intention, it is offensive. So, my request is that if anyone feels it is necessary to call anyone a borg, I’ll gladly accept the designation on behalf of anyone targeted in that manner. I am a borg. I am proud to be a borg. I will probably always be a borg. If anyone wants to join me in that corner, they're welcome. There's room for all.
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